Mom convicted in death of son she perceived as gay

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon jurors have convicted a 25-year-old woman of murder in the death of her 4-year-old son. Prosecutors said the woman beat the child because she believed he was gay.

The Washington County jury took a little more than an hour to reach its verdict Wednesday in the trial of Jessica Dutro. Sentencing was set for April 18.

The Oregonian reported that Zachary Dutro-Boggess died Aug. 16, 2012, of intestinal tears caused by abdominal trauma. He collapsed at the homeless shelter where his family was living southwest of Portland.

In a Facebook message to her boyfriend, Brian Canady, Dutro said the boy was going to be gay and it made her angry. Defense lawyer Chris Colburn said the message did not prove any motive on Dutro’s part.

Canady earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter and assault for his role in the boy’s death.